Mystery Kigo Theatre 3000 of Maternal Instinct

Chapter 9: Confessions of a Teenage Hero

S: “… next, on Panorama!”

Over the years Dr. Ann Possible had come to expect the unexpected. How could she not? After all her daughter was the world famous teen hero Kim Possible. So when her daughter had arrived at the hospital seven months ago with someone who was one of her biggest enemies,

K: “Biggest enemas?”

she was surprised but quickly recovered. Then when she found out the woman was pregnant with her daughter's child after a fluke of genetic manipulation and bad aim she was shocked, but again she was able to recover much quicker than a “normal” mother would have. Though the idea of actually living with the former villainess had taken much longer to get use to. Still, in time Ann had gotten to know Shego quite well

K: “Ewww! You've cheated on me with my MOM? Wrongsick!”

S: “Relax, Kimmie. That's another story, entirely. However…”

K: “EWWW!”

and saw her as part of the Possible family. From what Kim had just told her of the woman's real family, it was definitely a step up.

What took the most getting use to though was the idea of just how close Kim and Shego had become. They started off as one would have expected by fighting almost constantly and Shego resisting Kim's help at every turn. But as Shego's stomach grew so did her patience and her willingness to accept help. Her relationship with Kim grew as well slowly going from rivals to friends to co-mothers to perhaps…something more. Ann wasn't completely surprised by that fact given how her relationship with James changed during her first pregancy, but it was still something that would take longer than usual to get use to. Still she had suspected it for awhile and with the picture the twins took it seemed that the two women's relationship could turn that corner at any minute. So now that she had come to expect it, she thought she was prepared for it.

S: “… and wanted to get it on film.”

She thought wrong.

It seemed seeing something in your mind and seeing it in reality were two completely different things. So when Ann stumbled upon her daughter locked in a tight embrace with Shego and kissing her full on the mouth, she let out a surprised gasp and dropped the laundry basket she had been holding. The muffled “thud” it produced from hitting the carpeted floor caused the two women to jump slightly and break their kiss. Kim turned her head while still holding Shego received the shock of her life when she saw who was standing there.

“Mom!”

K: “Bones!”

S: “Spock!”

K: “Jim!”

S: “Chief!”

K: “McCloud!”

she shouted in a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

Ann wanted to tell her daughter it was okay. That she had been expecting this kind of thing

K: “So… she expected me to be a lesbian??”

S: “Seems like, yeah.”

so she wasn't mad or hurt, just surprised. Above all she wanted to tell her that she still loved her. She wanted to do all this, but she couldn't. All she could do at the moment was in the doorway with her eyes and mouth open wide in shock. Even after she recovered, she still couldn't find her voice and instead quickly picked up the laundry basket before slipping out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Kim stared at the door in silence for a few second before she leg go of Shego

K & S: “Leggo my Shego!”

and walked towards it as if in a daze.

“Mom?” she whispered, sounding like a lost child.

She continued to stand there in a daze for a moment longer before something finally seemed to snap.

“Oh God!” she cried out in a horrified voice as she placed her hands on her forehead and began to pace. “Oh God, oh God, oh God! She saw us! My mother saw us! She saw us…kissing! Oh God, w-what am I gonna do?”

As Kim continued to pace and ramble, Shego blinked as she tried to process all what had just happened. She had been kissing Kim which actually felt good -great even- when her mother came into the room for some reason, spotted them kissing, stared for a bit then left. Then Kim broke off the kiss, also stared for a bit then started to completely freak out. It was almost as if she were ashamed to have been caught kissing her. In fact, that was probably exactly what it was. The thought made Shego's blood boil and before she knew it she was scowling and both her hands were clenched into fists.

“Oh that's real nice Kim!” she shouted, drawing the redhead's attention.

“What?” Kim asked, seemingly confused.

S: “These curtains you have in your room. They're real nice.”

“Don't `what’ me you know exactly what I'm talking about!” Shego accused, jabbing a finger in her direction. “Seems like it's okay for you to kiss me behind closed doors but the second someone finds out it all, `Oh God what have I done! What is everyone going to think of me! This is wrong and I never should have done it'!”

“I never said that!” Kim protested.

“No but you were thinking it. I could tell by the way you're freaking out.”

“Because my mother just spotted us kissing!” the girl shouted, throwing her hands wildly into the air. “I think that's cause enough to freak out.”

“Because you're ashamed of me,” Shego reasserted.

“I am not ashamed of you.”

“Could've fooled me. I mean I seriously thought we're having a moment there. We were finally connecting. I poured my heart out to you!”

“That was in the song!” Kim pointed out.

“But that's exactly how I felt! And I thought that's how you felt too!”

K: “Yeah! And Scarecrow's brain!”

“That is how I felt! How a feel right now! I do care about you!”

“Then why are we yelling!” Shego asked.

“I don't know!”

K & S: “Third base!”

They stopped and took a moment to catch their breathes as well as calm down. When they were sure they could carry on a more civil conversation, Kim walked back over to Shego and took woman's hands into her own.

“Look, I'm sorry,” she said softly. “You're right, I shouldn't have freaked out like that. But this is a lot to take in all at once and I guess I just couldn't handle it.”

“Thought you could do anything?” Shego quipped with a light smirk.

“That includes flying off the handle every once in awhile.”

“Well if you don't make a habit of that I guess I can forgive you,” the pale woman replied, her smirk widening a bit. “And I guess I did overact a bit too. It's just that with everything that happened with my family over the years, I just have a knee jerk reaction when it seems like someone's ashamed to be with me.”

“But I'm not,” Kim said, again placing her hand on Shego's cheek. “I was just caught off guard is all.”

“And I read too much into it,” Shego admitted with a sigh. “Great start to a relationship, huh?”

“Yeah,” Kim huffed.

A light knock at the door caught their attention and this time they prepared themselves. Kim pulled back from Shego but still held her hand as she faced the door. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself before addressing the person knocking.

“You can come in now mom,” she called.

The door opened only enough to allow Ann to poke her head through. She looked at the two and smiled brightly when she saw they were no longer fighting. She pulled the door open fully but remained in the doorway.

S: “Sorry to interrupt while you're getting your freak on, dear…”

“Girls, I think we need to have a talk,” she said in a very parental way that made Kim shudder a bit.

“Um…yeah I think we do too,” Kim replied, her earlier anxiety returning.

Just as the nervousness started to overcome her and her body began to shake, she felt a slight pressure on her left hand. She looked down to find Shego giving it reassuring squeeze and the same feeling reflected in her emerald eyes when she looked up at them. A small smile played across Kim's face at the action and when she turned to face her mother again she felt much more confident. With a nod of acknowledgment, Kim let her mother lead her and Shego out of the room and into the living room where they sat on the couch for a moment in an uncomfortable silence.

“Mom, let me explain,” Kim spoke up.

K: “Have you SEEN her rack? I mean, just look at it! Could you blame me?”

“No Kimmie, it's alright I know what happened,” Ann replied a bit uneasily. “Actually I've been expecting this to happen but I guess I wasn't as ready as I thought I was.”

“Oh, OK well then-” Kim stopped when she realized what her mother had said. “Wait, you expected this to happen?”

“Of course. Someone would have to be completely blind not to see how close you two have gotten over the past few months?”

“We have?” Kim and Shego asked in unison as they looked at each other.

Ann couldn't help but smile at that. “Yes you have. And as much as I know you two hate it, I think the picture the boys took proves it.”

“Oh yeah…that,” Shego growled. “We never did get done `thanking’ them for taking that thing.”

“And you won't if you know what's good for you,” Ann said sternly. “I've told you already Shego I don't like anyone threatening my children. Especially from someone who's going to be dating one of them.”

“So then, you're OK with this?” Kim asked before Shego could make any kind of retort.

“Well I won't lie Kimmie,

S: “… at least my hips won't lie.”

this is going to be a huge adjustment,” the older redhead sighed. “But what I'm more concerned about right now is if you're happy or not.”

“Huh?”

“Do you think this new relationship will make you happy?”

K: “Combined with really hot sex? Yeah, I guess so.”

Kim blinked as she took in the question. Really all of this was happening so fast that she really hadn't had anytime to sit down and think about it. She looked over at Shego and saw the tiny glint of worry in her eyes. She recongized it as the same look she had during their fight a few minutes ago and Kim was surprised at how bad she, herself felt. She had certainly grown closer to Shego over the past few months and didn't want to do anything to needlessly hurt her. Then of course there was Shin. When this first started Kim resolved to be at least be civil towards Shego for the sake of their child, but now that there was an opportunity for Shin's parents to not just like each other, but love each other she wasn't about to let it go. She smiled at the thought of Shin having a loving family and when she found Shego returning that smile she was again surprised, this time by how her heart was beating faster and the feeling of contentment washing over her.

“Yes,” she answered as the turned back to her mother. “I think it will make me happy.”

“Then that's all that matters,” Ann replied with her own smile as she placed her hands over Kim's. “Every parent wants to see their child be happy. I'm sure that's something you two will learn soon enough.”

“Not every parent,” Shego scoffed and effectively ruining the moment.

“Most normal parents anyway,” Ann replied as she looked at Shego.

“Do you think dad fits into that category?” Kim asked, her uncertainty returning again.

“He will if he knows what's good for him,” Ann quipped. “We have discussed it though and I'm sure he'll fine with it at as well. It will just take some time to get use to is all.”

S: “He's a man, of course he'll love it.”

“Yeah, I can already tell that,” Kim remarked.

“I'll you what Kimmie. Why don't I break the news to your father and then you two can sit down and discuss as much as you need to?” Ann suggested.

“That would be great mom,” the younger Possible said as she leaned forward and gave her mother a hug.

Ann returned the hug and held it for a long moment. She knew her baby's life was going to go through some changes that many people might not understand or even tolerate but that only strengthened her resolve to be there for her daughter no matter what. When she pulled back from the hug she looked at Kim then Shego one last time before standing up.

“Well this has certainly been a…revealing evening and I'm sure you two have a lot you want to talk about in private. Just try not to stay up too late now Kim, you do still have school tomorrow,” she reminded.

“Right, I know,” Kim replied dejectedly.

Ann nodded then looked at the woman next to her daughter. “And Shego, I guess the only thing I can say right now is

S: “… thay if you're sleeping with Kimmie, you'll need shots.”

K: “Hey!”

welcome to the family.”

“Thanks. Definitely feel like I've traded up,” Shego replied.

Ann smiled before she picked up the laundry basket and walked out of the room, leaving the new couple alone to sit and talk. Unfortunately, neither of them really knew what they were suppose to say. They each fidgeted around a bit as they tried to think of something while also keeping their eyes open. It was Shego that finally broke the silence.

“This long talk we're suppose to have? How about we do that sometime tomorrow?” she suggested.

“Agreed,” Kim nodded just before a yawn overcame her. “Wow I didn't realize I was so tired. I guess I better go to bed. School and all that. And I need to think of how to break the news to the rest of my family and my friends.”

“Oh?” Shego remarked. “Just gonna come out and tell them? Not even gonna try to hide it, huh?”

“No, because I shouldn't have to. Besides with everything that's gone on lately and things that are probably going to happen, I just don't have the strength to keep up a lie.”

“Plus you're no good at it.”

Kim blushed a bit. “Yeah that too.”

K: “I really like your outfit, Shego.”

S: Really? Thanks, I… wait a minute. That was a lie, wasn't it?”

She pulled herself off the couch under Shego's smile at her small victory and started off for her room then paused to look back at the pregnant woman still on the couch.

“Do you need help getting to your room?” Kim asked.

Shego snarled. “Look Princess, I already told you this. I may be pregnant but I'm not completely helpless.”

With that, Shego placed her hands on the couch as she rolled around a bit as she tried to stand up. Kim placed a hand over her mouth to hide her smile and snicker at seeing the once nimble thief rolling around like a beach ball.

“Having trouble?” the redhead mocked.

“Shut up!” Shego snapped as she still tried to stand.

After another unsuccessful attempt she finally give in with a sigh and held out her right hand. Kim walked over, took the hand and carefully helped Shego to her feet. She guided her back to the guest room where they stood in front of the door a minute. After several seconds of silence Kim finally leaned inward and gave Shego another kiss. It was a much more subdued one and could be considered a “goodnight kiss” but it was still a big step for both of them.

When she pulled back, Kim smiled at the pale woman before she turned and started towards her room again. As she did, she couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow might bring.

---

As it turned out, tomorrow brought with it the same thing every school day did;

K: “Dope dealers.”

a bunch of boring classes and mounds of homework that probably wouldn't even be looked at until late at night.

K: “… oh…”

Kim felt her eyelids drooped as she tried to listen to Mr. Barkin drone on about…something. It was hard enough to stay awake under normal circumstances, but the fact that she got very little sleep last night made it even worse. As tired as she was last night, she couldn't quite fall asleep because every time she did she had a nightmare about Ron, Monique and Wade abandoning her because of her new lifestyle. Some even involved people refusing her help because of it and turning to the likes of Global Justice, Team Impossible, and even Jen Credible to save them over her.

But the worst dreams were the ones where Ron screamed at her

S: “… like a little girl.”

for betraying the trust and love he placed in her. Those were the most frequent and terrifying the real reason she didn't get much sleep. She kept turning over how was going to break the news to him and how he was going to react. She expected him to freak out, because…well that was just how Ron first reacted to shocking news. After it settled in though it could go any number of different ways and she just wasn't sure what to expect. For the most part she was sure he would eventually come around and still be her friend, but there was this tiny voice of doubt that just kept calling her name.

“Possible!” Mr. Barkin barked.

“Wha!” Kim shouted in surprise, snapping her out of her half asleep daze.

S: “I need air support to take out Charlie on the other side of that ridge… NOW!”

“Care to tell me what I was just talking about?”

K: “Uh… `Your Ass And A Hole In The Ground: A Comparative Study’?”

“Uh…well…you…” she stammered, trying to remember the lecture. “You…were talking about how the over use of metaphors can hurt the author's intention and create an incoherent mess.”

S: “Ok, SOMEBODY'S been visiting the Fiction Clinic Forum!”

Mr. Barkin narrowed his eyes and stared at her for a second, seemingly unfazed by her cheerful smile.

“You got lucky,” he muttered then continued on with his lecture.

K: “Saigon… I can't believe I'm still in Saigon…”

Kim let out a small sigh and placed her head on the desk.

This is going to be a looong day, she thought in dismay.

Unfortunately, Kim's prediction came true as every class seemed to drag on until the end of the day. By the time she reached her locker she felt like she had gone a few rounds with all her villains and just wanted to get home and rest. Unfortunately, she knew that wasn't an option at the moment as she had to make a side trip before she could relax. She let out a groan at the thought and rested her head against the locker door.

“You okay KP?” Ron's concerned voice asked her. “You looked pretty out of it in Barkin's class. I mean, you know, more than everyone else.”

She looked over at him and forced the best smile she could.

“I'm fine just a little tired is all. It's been kinda crazy lately,” she replied.

S: “And she's so high, right now.”

“No kidding,” he scoffed. “So how's the baby doing?”

“She's doing fine. As is the momma.”

“Well that's good. I guess. ”

Kim couldn't help but cringe at Ron's disapproving tone. Despite having defending her from her overbearing parents, Kim knew that Ron didn't get along with Shego. Whether it was because of her time as one of their deadliest enemies or if he thought she “stole Kim away from him”, she wasn't sure. What she was sure about was that it made the task of telling him about the change in their relationship that much more difficult. She didn't want to break his heart any more than she already had, but lying to him would hurt as well. She had to tell him if any of them were going to move forward with their lives. And it had to be soon while she still had the nerve.

“Ron,” she forced out. “I…I need to talk to you about something.”

“OK,” he replied, confused by her tone. “What's up?”

K: “Not you, THAT'S for sure! Is it any wonder that I left you for Shego?”

“Not here. Tonight. At my home. Say about…eight?”

“Uh…alright. You sure you're alright?”

“Fine. Fine. I just need to talk to you and it's best to do it in private,” Kim explained then looked down Rufus who was sticking his head out of his customary pocket. “And when I say `private’ I mean with you Rufus. Sorry.”

Now Ron and Rufus were throughly confused.

S: “Though I expect that Rufus was slightly less so.”

“Um…sure. I'll see you at eight then,” Ron said.

Kim only nodded before she walked away, leaving the boy and his naked mole rat to watch her leave in silence. Rufus looked up at Ron in expectation to be filled in on a conversation he obviously missed but his human friend merely shrugged in returned.

“I don't know what's going on little buddy, but I do have a sneaking suspicion,” the blonde boy said in a suspicious tone.

“An’?” Rufus asked expectantly.

“I think `it’ may finally have happened.”

“`It’?”

“Something to dark and horrible I dare not think about it. I just hope I'm wrong, because I honestly have know idea what I'd do if `it’ did happen.”

S: “'HLS’?”

K: “Hell, yeah!”

---

Usually for Kim walking into Club Banana was as comforting as walking into her own room. She considered it one of her few safe havens where she could go and just be herself. Or at the very least a normal high school girl. It was a place where she could go to check out the latest fashion trends, indulge in a little gossiping and check out some cute guys. Of course, that last one didn't really apply anymore. That was part of why she was nervous about walking into the clothing store.

The other reason was standing next to one of the window displays and putting a new shipment of dresses out on the racks. Kim felt it was appropriate that she tell Monique here since this was where they first met and almost instantly became friends. Since then, she has counted Monique as one of her best friends. So what better place to potentially end that friendship than the place it started?

She took a deep breath and let out slowly

K: “… BELCH… tasting her breakfast…”

before she walked over to the other girl.

“Hey Monique, think you can spare some time to talk?” Kim asked gently.

“Sure. If you don't mind me hanging up these dresses while we do,” Monique replied, not missing a beat in her work.

“That's fine.”

“So what's on your mind girl?”

“Well…it's kind of…hard to talk about,” Kim said unsurely.

“Guy trouble?” Monique ventured.

S: “S'yah! As if!”

K: “Hey, it could happen!”

“I…guess you could call it that. Really though it's…well…you know how Shego is having my child?”

“Well between Shego's bulging belly and your fussing over her all the time it's not hard to miss.”

“I do not fuss-” Kim started, but then stopped with a wave of her arms. That was getting off track and she needed to stay focused. “Anyway, since that happened we've obviously stopped fighting and grown…closer and recently, very recently, we…kinda…”

K: “Started knocking the bottom out of it?”

“Finally gave in and admitted you two have feelings for each other?” Monique asked nonchalantly.

Upon hearing the casual confirmation of what she was about to say, Kim stood completely still from shock with an expression matching that of her mother's from last night. When she noticed that Monique was giving her a concerned look while holding a dress in one hand and a hanger in the other, she realized she must not have said anything for a few seconds too long. She tried to respond but what came out was a series of half formed words.

K: “Should we make another Bob Dylan joke?”

S: “Naw.”

“Kim, are you OK?” Monique asked, taking a step forward.

“H-how did you know?” Kim finally managed to spit out.

Monique gave her an “Are you serious?” look before smiling and shaking her head in amusement.

“Well aside from the fussing,” she started to explain, “there's also the way you two look at each other. There's something there that's more than just being together for the sake of the baby. Besides, you two already bicker like an old married couple anyway. I figured you two would come around sooner or later but I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to freak you out.”

Again Kim stared blankly at her.

“You didn't want to freak me out?” she asked, though it sounded more rhetorical an actual question.

A smile then crept over her confused face quickly followed by a low chuckle. It soon turned into a full blown riotous laughter that had Kim leaning forward and slapping her left knee while Monique questioned her friend's sanity. It didn't help matters that the outburst was drawing the attention of the other customers who also wondered if the girl was crazy.

K: “Prozac, it's what's for dinner!”

“Uh, Kim,” Monique said, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders. “You really need to calm down. People are starting to stare and I think someone's calling the cops.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Kim replied through deep breaths as she wiped a tear from her eye.

One more breath calmed her down completely and stood upright again, seemingly completely composed.

“Sorry,” she repeated. “I guess this whole thing blind sided me and I didn't know how else deal. I really thought you're going to freak out on me and stop being my friend.”

Monique pulled back and placed the back of her hands on her hips in an indignant pose.

“Girl look at me. Do I look like I'd be that small minded?” she asked.

S: “Well, I'm really not medically qualified to diagnose microcephalie…”

“Well…no,” Kim replied, suddenly feeling ashamed for having doubted her friend. “I just…I don't know this whole thing is confusing.”

The other girl's face softened as she relaxed her pose and placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder.

“No doubt,” she began. “But I'm your friend Kim and I'll be here for you. I mean it is going to take some getting use to, but it's not nearly as freaky as half the stuff you told me.”

“You really think so?” the redhead asked in a hopeful tone.

“Of course! I mean after all the stories of monkey ninjas and killer robots and doomsday devices, something like this seems pretty normal. Besides it's `06 anyone who thinks this is gross and wrong needs to get the with the times.”

K: “Yeah, baby riding the Kigo wave!”

Kim smiled broadly and before she knew what she was doing, she pulled her friend into a comforting hug. Monique was a bit surprised by the action but quickly recovered and returned the embrace, know that the girl who could do anything really needed gesture right now.

S: “No matter how obscene.”

“Thanks,” Kim whispered.

“Like you say, `no big’,” Monique replied with a light pat before she pulled back. “OK, hug's over now.”

S: “… and let go of my butt!”

The redhead stared at her in horror that she might had done something wrong. When the dark skinned girl saw this she rolled her eyes and dismissively waved her hand.

“Don't get the wrong idea,” she said. “I'm not grossed out, I just don't want to take any chance of making Shego jealous. I've seen what she can do with the baby so I definitively don't want to make her made for after she has it.”

S: “… and besides, you have a woody.”

Kim chuckled. “You have a point. Anyway I'm just glad this worked out so well. You have no idea how nervous I was about this.”

“Like I said, it's not a problem. Just promise me I'll be able to visit the rugrat once she's born.”

“Trust me you're one of the firsts on the list.”

“Good. Now there anything else I can help you with while you're here? We got some new cargos in stock.”

“As tempting as that sounds I need to get home and get ready to tell Ron about all this.”

At that Monique did wince. “Oooh, he doesn't know yet, huh?”

“No,” Kim sighed and slumped her shoulders. “And I'm kind of afraid to tell him cause I just think he'll…”

“Have a major freak out?”

“Yes!”

“Well it does sound like something he'd do,” Monique mused, then turned serious again. “But seriously, no matter what's happen between you two in the past he's still your boy Kim. I'm sure he'll be weirded out for awhile but if there's one thing I've learned from watching you two no matter what the sitch is, Ron's always got your back. Just give him time to adjust.”

K: “'Adjust’, Hell. He'll probably ask me to take pictures!”

“`Time to adjust’,” Kim muttered. “That seems to be the theme for today.”

“Hey this is a big change. For all of us.”

“You're telling me. Anyway, thanks for being so understanding Monique. And for all the advice. I'll talk to you later, OK?”

“Yep,” Monique replied. “And if you need to talk again I've always got an ear open.”

S: “… and if it's sex you want, well, there's something else that I've always got o…”

K: “SHEGO!”

Kim flashed her another grateful smile before she turned and walked out of the store.

Well that went better than I would have imagined, she thought cheerfully. Now all I have to go is think of how to break the news to Ron. And hope that after it's over we'll still be friends.

---

Kim's mind raced with the possible outcomes of her talk with Ron, and unfortunately only a few of them were good.

S: “And those involved schemes to bump him off and collect on his life insurance.”

She tried to give him the benefit of the doubt that she hadn't given to Monique, but she knew he probably wouldn't act as calm as her. The major difference is that she had never dated Monique before.

K: “… but it's not too late.”

S: “No! Kimmie, say it's not so!”

That was going to play a big factor in how things turned out, for better or worse. Of course with the way she was thinking there was no “better” and she could only hope it wouldn't get “worse”. “Mildly strained” was what she was shooting for.

By the time she got home she was even more tired than she was earlier in the day and just wanted to get a quick nap before Ron came over. Unfortunately, as she crossed through the living room to get to her room, her father spotted her from his easy chair and cleared his throat to get her attention.

“Kimmie-cub, I think we need to have a talk,” he said.

She froze and turned around slowly on the balls of her feet.

K: “Hey, Butthead! Heh! They said… balls!”

S: “Shut up, Beavis!”

There was a stern expression on her father's face that told her this “talk” he wanted to have was much more of a lecture and she had a pretty good idea what it was about. Kim steeled herself then walked over to the couch and sat down, trying to keep eye contact with her father but finding it surprisingly difficult.

“Your mother told me what happened between you and Shego,” he explained in an even tone.

Despite her father's apparent state of ease, she still found a nervous pit was forming in her stomach.

“Dad, I-” she tried to start but he cut her off by holding up a hand.

K: “So is that the same hand that Jen found or did somebody lose another one?”

“Please let me say my piece first,” he requested. After she nodded in confirmation he began to speak again. “I have some concerns about your new…relationship. Beyond the obvious ones,

S: “… like being a freak, and all.”

I'm afraid this might be another rebound relationship.”

“`Rebound'!” Kim asked incredulously. “If you're talking about Ron, we broke up months ago. Several months ago actually! Usually a rebound is right after one break up. Besides, this situation is a little different.”

“Isn't that what you said when you started your relationship with Ronald?”

Kim faltered for an answer. She couldn't offer a comeback but she knew he was right. They had an almost identical conversation by then, with both her parents concerned that her relationship with Ron was just rebound from having her heart broken by Erik. Then she explained it was different because Erik had turned out to be a Syntho-drone that had tricked her and when Ron poured his heart out to her it awoke feelings she didn't know she had. But she knew they were true and that their love would last the rest of their days.

S: “What?!?”

K: “Yeah… it's this piece of dreck called `So The Drama’. I'll lend you the DVD.”

At least, that's what she thought at the time. Eventually though she came to the realization that it was just a rebound relationship and as much as she loved Ron she couldn't bring herself to love him the way a girlfriend should. Breaking up with him was one of the hardest thing she had to do, but thankfully he was on the same page as her and they were able to remain friends afterwards. Though not without some complications.

And here she was again, defending a new relationship to her father in almost the same fashion was before. Was she really this fickle? Was she really the kind of person to just jump from one relationship to the other? No, no there was something different about this one. It wasn't just Shin or the gender issue, it was something she couldn't quite place but it was there. Something…special.

“This isn't a rebound dad,” she spoke softly. “I really don't know what it is, but I'm sure it's not just me trying to find someone else besides Ron. It is different in…a lot of way, but number one is Shin. It's important for her to have loving parents.”

K: “… and we were finally able to find her some loving parents on the Internet with enough scratch to buy the little critter.”

“I understand that Kim,” James Possible replied in a serious tone. “And I respect that you're thinking of what's best for your baby. In fact, I'm very proud of it. But one of the trickiest things about being a parent is knowing not only what's best for your child but also yourself. Do you think this relationship is what's best for you?”

“Yes,” Kim answered, almost reflexively. “If you want to know what our relationship is going to be…I really can't say, we just barely started it. But I know it's what I want. You can be mad at me or disown me or whatever but it's not going to change how I feel.”

Dr. Possible quirked an eyebrow at his daughter's statement before a soft, reassuring smile cover his face.

“I'm not mad at you and I'm certainly not going to disown you,” he told her. “I just want to make sure you'll be happy. There are a lot of people out there who won't be understanding about this relationship. In fact some of them might not want to be saved by `those types’.”

S: “You know… `pervos’.”

“Well then those people are just going to have to learn to get over their narrow minded thinking,” Kim countered. “I'm determined to help people no matter what. Of course I'm also determined to raise Shin the right way too, so people are really going to have to get over that stuff.”

“Now there's the Kimmie-cub I know and love.”

S: “Now… who's your Daddy?”

K: “EWWW!”

“Thanks dad,” she smiled, but soon frowned when another thought occurred. “This isn't going to hurt you at work, is it? To have a daughter that's `that way’.”

S: “Don't worry, they'll think it's hot.”

“Oh don't be silly,” he remarked, waving it off. “The people I work with are too smart to be hung up on something like that. Besides most of them are too caught up in there research to worry about their own family lives, let alone a colleague's. And if someone did have a problem with it, well then I'd simply shoot them into the nearest black hole.”

Kim couldn't help by chuckle at the last remark. “That's your solution for everything.”

“Well it works.”

Kim laughed again as she stood up then leaned over to give her father a hug.

“Thanks for understanding,” she whispered to him before pulling back and starting to head out of the room.

“It was nothing Kimmie-cub. I can be hip when I want to be,” Dr. Possible replied jovially. “Although I will have to have a talk with Shego now. Baby or not she's going to have to follow the same rules as any of your other dates.”

The comment stopped Kim in her tracks as she tried to imagine what the conversation would be like. The thought of her father giving his usual speech to an irritated and bewildered Shego made her feel relaxed for the first time that day. She laughed about it as she climbed the stairs to her room and fell down onto the bed. Once she calmed down her laughter was replaced by a steady breathing as she fell into a deep sleep, the thought of what would happen tonight far from her mind.

---

Kim fidgeted nervously as she stood in front of Ron. She tried to practice just what she was going to tell him, but every time she did the words just failed to form. Soon, here she was, standing before her best friend and former boyfriend trying to find a way to tell him that her former rival had become her new girlfriend. That fact that she had a girlfriend would be a big enough shock let alone who that girlfriend was. She knew it would get some kind of reaction out of him, but she still wasn't sure what kind exactly. That uncertainty kept her from just telling him about it and instead caused her to make many false starts.

“Kim, are you OK?” Ron asked, giving her a concerned look.

“Not so much,” Kim muttered.

“What?”

“Uh…nothing,” she lied then took a deep breath for courage. “Ron…there's something I need to tell you. Something important.”

“Alright, shoot,” he replied, making the customary finger gun motions.

“It's about Shego and I. See we've grown…close. Like…really close.”

“Like good friends close or relationship close?”

K: “Actually it's more like… uh, uh, uh, oh, oh, OH, OH, OH, aaaYYYAAAAAAA… close.”

S: “Oh, Pumpkin, you say the sweetest things!”

“The…second…one,” Kim answered as she drooped her head and looked at him out of the corner of her eyes.

He stood there for a moment in stunned silence as he tried to take in the news.

“Wow,” he finally muttered after a minute or so. He looked like he was going to say more but failed and simply repeated, “Wow.”

He looked at the still slightly cowering Kim and tried to picture her with Shego on a date. Again this seemed to blow all the fuses in his brain and left him with just one thing to say.

“Wow,” he muttered as he walked over to Kim's bed and sat down. “This is…”

“Major drama?” Kim offered, sitting down next to him.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “When did…”

“It `officially’ happened last night after we got back from Go City, but I think it's been building up over time.”

“I…guess I could see that. This is…this is going to take some getting use to. Like a lot of getting us to.”

S: “So… can I watch?”

“I know Ron, I know,” she said as she wrung her hands together nervously and slumped her head again. “And I know it's going to be really awkweird between us for awhile considering all that's happened, but I just…I just hope you'll still be my friend.”

Ron again stared at her in surprise, but his shocked expression was quickly replaced by a gentle smile as he reached down and took one of her hands into his own.

“Kim I'm not going to lie, this is going to be a huge change, bigger than when we started dated, but I promise you I'll be here for you,” he said softly as he stared into her eyes. “I'll always be here for you KP.”

“KP.”

“KP.”

“KP!”

Kim muttered something incomprehensible to the annoying voice that kept calling out her initials. It was so persistent and yet so familiar. She slowly forced open her eyes but all she could see around her was a series of colored splotches, mostly peach and blonde. As her sight slowly began to refocus she discovered those splotches was actually the face of Ron Stoppable, only a few inches away from her own face. When she realized this her still mostly asleep mind came up with the only appropriate respond it could.

“GAAAAAHHH!” she screamed, scooting away from him as fast as she could.

K & S: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

“DWAAAAAAHHH!” Ron screamed in replied, jumping back and covering his face with his arms.

K & S: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

They both took a moment to catch their breathes as they recovered from the unexpected shock. When she finally got her heart rate back under control, Kim glared at Ron from her spot on the bed.

“Ron, what do you think you're doing!” she snapped.

“Me! I'm not the one that scream bloody murder as soon as I woke up!” Ron retorted. “Besides, you said you wanted to see me at eight tonight so here I am. I've been trying to wake you up for the past two minutes.”

“Wha?” Kim mumbled before looking over at her clock. Sure enough it read 8:02. “Oh. Right. Sorry I guess I was a little more tired than I thought.”

“I'll say,” he replied then his featured soften. “Kim you sure you're alright? You've been acting weird all day and you just look so out of it.”

“Well helping Shego out can get pretty exhausting,” she admitted as she got off the bed. “But that's not why I was tired all day. Truth is I didn't get my sleep last night. I kept thinking about…something.”

“Oh? Like what?”

K: “Like, why is Colorado so square?”

“Something important,” she said as she started to walk over to him. She stopped half away and felt her shoulders being to slump as her earlier anxiety returned. “It's about me and Shego.”

“What about you and Shego?” Ron asked, sounding much more suspicious than he wanted to.

Kim noticed the tone, but shrugged it off. “Well…we've grown a lot…closer over the last couple of months. And last night something…happened.”

Uh oh, Ron thought and tried desperately to ignore this overwhelming sense of dread. Out loud he asked, “What happened?”

“We…um…kinda…kissed,” she finally admitted.

S: “Oh, thank goodness, KP! For a moment I thought you were gonna tell me she's a tranny!”

Much like in her dream, Kim hung her head in almost shame and stared at Ron out of the corners of her eyes. And again, like the dream, Ron stood completely still and silent for a moment with a look of complete shock on his face. She was beginning to wonder if this was going to turn out exactly like her dream. In fact, a small part of her hoped it would as he seemed to take the news rather well there. Unfortunately, she quickly learned why they are called dreams as Ron's expression changed from one of shock to one of incredulous indignation.

“I knew it!” he shouted, throwing his arms into the air. “Aw man, why is it the one of the few times I'm actually right about something it has to be this! This is just so…so…sick and wrong! Wrongsick even!”

If this were a Japanese cartoon,

K: “… it would have no plot, stupid little creatures running around, lots of underage girls with cat ears wearing schoolgirl uniforms, lots of yelling, big robots and MAKE NO FRIGGING SENSE!!!”

S: “Um… Princess, you really need to calm down.”

Kim had no doubt she would have fallen onto the floor face first in surprise of Ron's outburst. Instead, the sudden weakness in her legs was overpowered by a rage bubbling up from her stomach.

S: “POOOT!”

K: “Whoops, that's not rage! Gag!”

Any thoughts of worry or uncertainty were replaced by this new emotion as she glared at the boy who she now thought of as: the enemy.

“What do you mean it's sick and wrong!” she countered with a shout of her own. “What exactly is so sick and wrong about it!”

“How about the fact that it's SHEGO!” Ron said, the tune and volume of his voice not changing. “You know, glowing hands of death, tried to take over the world with Drakken, tried to kill us many, many, MANY times Shego! Any of that ringing about bell?”

K: “And all those flaming bags of dog poopie you left on his porch? Huh?”

“You're STILL worrying about that! Haven't you learned anything over the past seven months? She's changed! She's really changed Ron.”

“Oh really? And what if she's just pretending to be reformed so she can run out on you after the baby's born.”

“She wouldn't do that!”

“And how do you know?”

“Because she loves me!”

That last statement brought the shouting match to a screeching halt. Something about the certainty and conviction in Kim's voice surprised them both enough for them to stop and rethink the way the were going about this. They each took a moment to breath and calm down and when she was sure she could speak more civilized, Kim started the conversation again.

“She loves me,” she repeated softly. “And I love her.”

“But how do you know?” Ron asked, fear beginning to overcome his anger. “You've been down this road before Kim. We've been down that road and it didn't exactly turn out well for us.”

“I know, I know. But something's different with her. I can't explain it, but it's there. It's…different somehow.”

“Yeah, no kidding,” he scoffed. “You're not only with one of your archenemies now but a woman one too. God, you're dating a woman now,” he sighed as he turned away and tried to take that in. He faced her again when a horrible thought entered his mind. “Is this because of me? Did I do that?”

K: “Well… sort of.”

“No, God no,” Kim replied, taking another step towards him. “It wasn't because of you. In fact you're the best boyfriend I ever had.”

K & S: “… snicker…!”

“Then why didn't it work between us?” Ron asked, his face full of sorrow and regret.

K: “Well, doy! You're a man.”

S: “At least in theory.”

“I don't know. Maybe it's because you were too good to me,” she tried to explain. “Maybe I was afraid I couldn't live up to this image you had of me. Or maybe I was afraid I couldn't return all the love you're giving to me. And maybe I'm with Shego now because you're such a great boyfriend that no other man could do so I decided to go out with a woman.”

“Oh how I wish I could believe or understand that!” he shouted throwing his hands up into the air again.

When he recovered he slumped his shoulders and walked over to her bed, suddenly feeling very weak and needing to sit down. Kim followed suit and sat down near him, but gave him the space she knew he needed right now. Again an similar image from her dream flashed through her mind, but the fact that they were both sitting on her bed was the only similarity the current situation had to the dream. She slouched forward and cast him a few sparing glances as she tried to figure out what to say next.

S: “Hey, look, he's…”

K: “Shh…”

“Ron,” she said softly. “I'm…I'm sorry.”

The confession caught them both off guard.

“I never meant to hurt you,” she continued, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. “God that's the last thing I ever wanted to do. You've been such a good friend, sometimes better than I deserve. I know sometimes I was petty and cruel and thought I knew what was best for you when I really didn't and yet somehow you always stuck by me. I don't know why, but you did. And I've been so grateful for that.”

By now she was crying freely, unsure if they were tears of sadness or joy or some mixture of the two. She just knew she couldn't stop them no matter how hard she tried. She continued on though, she had to get this all of her chest since might be the last conversation they ever had.

K: “Yeah, and I bet he's…”

S: “Hush, Kimmie… this is a good part…”

“I tried to make our relationship work, I really, really did,” she continued in between sniffles. “I wanted it to last because I saw how happy you were and that mad me happy, it really did. But I couldn't lie to myself any longer. It was wrong for both of us and I tried to break it off as gently as I could. I do love you Ron, but just as a friend. The best friend I ever had. And…and if you don't want to talk to me anymore I can understand that. But please, please think it over first.” She forced herself to look into his eyes. “I couldn't imagine my life without you.”

Ron looked back into her eyes. Those bright green orbs that usually held so much courage and confidence now held fear and uncertainty as they began to redden from her crying. He could have kicked himself for being so stupid as making a scene and upsetting her. Sure he was a bit confused and angry himself, but here she was worried he'd never want to talk to her again and he was doing nothing but making it seem true. He offered her a soft, apologetic smile as he reached up and wiped one of the tear streaks away. Then, before even he knew what he was doing, he put his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into a tight, loving embrace.

Kim was a little surprised at first but let it go. She really shouldn't have been as this was about the fourth or fifth hug she got today, but it was the one she needed the most. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held onto him tightly, as if letting go would cause him to fly away forever.

“I'm sorry. I'm so sorry,” she continued to muttered into his collar.

“Sssshh. It's alright,” he said softly. “I'm sorry too. I acted like a jerk and that was wrong. Heck I even kind of suspected this after awhile, but I still wasn't ready for it.”

“Can you accept it? Can you accept…me?” she asked, fear still evident in her voice.

“Of course KP,” he assured. “You're still my best friend. It's going to take some time, naturally, but I think I can get use to it. Like you said, I couldn't imagine my life with you.”

“Thank you.”

“No big.”

They sat in each others arms for quite a while. How long exactly they couldn't say, but it was long enough for Kim to finally regain her composure and stop crying. When she was sure he wouldn't disappear after she let go, she pulled back and began to wipe away the dried tears with the backs of her hands. Afterwards she looked at Ron again and tried to think of something else to say, but she couldn't. Fortunately, he spoke up before she could really make a fool of herself.

<{[K & S - totally enrapt in watching the movie]}>

“Feeling better?” he asked.

“Yeah,” she replied, taking one last swipe at her face. “Wish I could say something more than `thanks’ but…”

“Don't thank me too much I did kinda act like a jerk.”

“You had a reason to though.”

“Still no excuse,” he sighed. “Look if you're feeling better then I really need to get home and take awhile by myself to take this all in.”

“Uh…yeah, right. I'll see you at school tomorrow, right?”

“Course. Wouldn't pass half my classes without ya.”

She chuckled a bit as he caught up off the bed and after another quick hug walked down the steps that lead from her room to the rest of the house. He felt bad about lying a bit to Kim, but the truth was he still wasn't OK with her new relationship. He doubt he would ever really be OK with it. It wasn't the fact that she was dating another woman, or even the fact that that woman was Shego that bothered him. It was the fact that she had someone else. As much as he tried to play it cool and pretend things were back to normal between them, the sad truth was that it would never be the same again. Not as long as he still felt…

Ron stopped dead in his tracks when he entered the living room and saw the last person he wanted to see right now. It was the person, the woman, who took his KP away from him. Even with a bulging belly that looked ready to burst

K: “Mmmm…”

S: “Admit it! You do have a pregnancy fetish!”

K: “Admit nothing, deny everything and make counter accusations…”

she still somehow found away to look like she was just sitting there on the couch without a care in the world. He let out a soft growl before he spoke her name.

“Shego,” he said softly.

Unfortunately, it seemed he seemed he said her name a little to loudly as she turned her attention away from the TV and towards him. She made a disgusted face when she saw who said her name.

“Stoppable,” she said back in her own growl. Her face then lit up with amusement. “So I take it from all the yelling that went on upstairs, Kimmie told you about us.”

“Yeah, she did,” he replied, making his way over to the couch. “I really don't know what to make of it, but I'll tell you one thing, I'm gonna be watching you like a hawk lady.”

“So you like to watch, huh?” Shego replied with a devious grin. “Well that's fine, you can see how much better I get along with her than you.”

“Yeah cause the woman who placed her in deathtraps for all those years really has room to talk.”

“At least I don't take her to some crappy fast food Mexican place all the time.”

“Don't diss Bueno Nacho! That was our place!” he argued as he leaned forward.

K: “At least `BN’ is better than that other Mexican place that moved into town.”

S: “Oh? What was that?”

K: “'Montezuma's Revenge’.”

S: “Could be worse…”

K: “How?”

S: “A Russian restaurant called `Trotsky's’.”

“Then I guess Kimmie and I will have to find a new place. A place where you're not invited,” Shego countered, forcing herself to sit upright so she could get in his face.

“Yeah well-” he sudden stopped then stood up straight and began to wave his hands dismissively. “You know what? I'm not getting into this with you. You can think it's because you won or whatever, I don't care. I just care about Kim's happiness and I know this isn't going to help that.”

“So what do you suggest?” she asked as she crossed her arms over her chest and turned her nose up.

“That we at least try to act like we can get along. It's not going to be easy cause I don't really like you and I know you don't like me but this isn't for either of us, it's for Kim. So how about we call a mutual, uneasy, skin crawling truce? At least for a little while,” he suggested, then held out a hand towards her.

Shego stared at the outstretched hand out of the corner of her eye for a moment before slowing turning her head to look directly at him. He was right that any kind of truce that had would be uneasy and very skin crawling, but she also knew he was right about Kim wanting them to get along. And she supposed that constantly berating one of her long time friends and former boyfriend really wouldn't be the best way to start their relationship. Plus, as fun as it was to tease Stoppable, she just didn't have the energy for it. Slowly she uncrossed her arms and outstretched one of her own hands towards his. Their heads met and grasped in an awkward shake that lasted all of two seconds. When she withdrew her hand, Ron let out a sigh of relief.

“You know for a second there I thought you'd try to ignite your hand and burn mine off,” he admitted.

“So did I,” Shego remarked.

There was an awkward silence between them then. Ron knew he should continue on with his plan to head him, but for some reason his feet didn't seem to want to move. So he simply stood there scratching the back of his neck nervously while Shego tried to ignore him and focus on the TV again. When she couldn't do that she desperately wanted to fire a plasma ball at him to get him to move, but again in the spirit of the truce, but mostly for her baby's well being, she held back.

“So,” she finally said, trying to alleviate the tension. “Since you've known her the longest and use to date her for awhile got any useful tips I should know about Possible?”

K: “Well, she likes it rough. And I mean ROUGH.”

“Well first I wouldn't call her by her last name,” Ron advised. “Secondly you gotta kinda take her bossiness with a grain of salt. It doesn't happen that often, but there are just times when she gets into this area where she has to be right and…it can get pretty ugly.”

“Yeah I've seen that a bit. Lucky I'm use to dealing with that kind of thing so I think I can handle it,” Shego mused. “Anything else.”

He sighed as his face took on a rather wistful expression. “Make her happy. You do whatever you can to make her happy and keep her. Definitely want to keep her. Because if you don't you'll find your heart practically breaking every time you look at her. You won't be able to just see Kim anymore but one of the most beautiful, intelligent, caring human beings on the planet and realize that you had that for awhile, that all those wonderful traits were aimed almost solely at you…and somehow you let her go. You'll try but you won't ever really get over it.”

S: “Holy crap, that was beautiful.”

Shego stared dumbfounded at the obviously unintended confession. She was really just trying to get him to say something when she asked the question and figured he give out some lame advise about her favorite flower or dress or something. She certainly didn't expect that. She also never suspected that the buffoon could be so…

K: “… frigging stupid.”

deep.

K: “… oh…”

“Ron,” she said softly, surprising herself by using his first name.

“I need to go,” he muttered, either ignoring or not hearing her.

As he started to walk towards the door, Shego turned as best she could to see him from the couch.

“Wait,” she called out.

S: “No, I mean that I really need to GO! I'm brown-capping, here!”

He stopped and titled his head towards her.

“Thanks. For this and for sticking up for me at my parents,” she said.

He smiled a bit at that.

“Nah, I didn't really do anything. It was Kim mostly,” he replied.

“Still…thought that counts, right?”

“I guess.”

And with that he finally made it out of the Possible home, leaving Shego alone to think about how little she really knew about him and all of Kim's friends really. She didn't even know if the girl had anymore outside of Ron, Monique and that computer dork of hers. But there was time to learn now. Time to try and fit in if she could. At least until Shin arrived, then it would all be about her. Shego rubbed her belly at that thought, a habit she had picked up lately, before she settled back in to watch some more TV.

S: “Man, am I some kind of lazy ass, or what?”

Her quiet time was soon disturbed again, but this time by a much more welcomed guest.

K & S: “Santa!”

She smiled as Kim walked into the living room and tried to get up to greet her, only to have Kim motion for her to stay put before she sat down next to the pale green woman. Acting on an impulse Kim leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before settling in next to her.

“Did you happen to see Ron come by this way?” she asked, not really sure why.

“Yeah we talked for a bit,” Shego replied off handedly. At the small gasped she heard she looked at Kim to find a panicked expression on her face. “Don't worry Princess we didn't yell at each other…too much. Actually we came to an agreement that we'll try to get along for your sake. No promises though.”

Kim relaxed and smiled again. “That's all I really ask. Thanks for the effort though.”

“Welcome. Don't forget to thank Ron though, it was his idea.”

The redhead nodded before something struck her. “Wait. Did you just call him Ron?”

Shego looked over at her with her usual cat like grin. “Well that is his name isn't it?”

“Yeah but I usually call him Ron. You usually call him `Stoppable’ or `buffoon’.”

“Things change Kimmie. I think we learned that lesson fairly well last night.”

“No kidding.”

They lapsed into a rather comfortable quiet as they bathed in the glow of the television. After a few minutes, Shego leaned over to lay her head on Kim's shoulder and on instinct Kim wrapped her arm around Shego and positioned it so she could rest it on the woman's enlarged stomach. Shego placed her own hand on top of Kim's and they both let out a content sigh.

“This is going to take some getting use to, huh?” Shego asked.

“Oh yeah,” Kim replied.

---

Ron had never been so thankful that his parents were almost chronic over time workers. It meant that when he came home he wouldn't have to explain to them why he looked so downtrodden. He knew he probably have to try an explain the situation to them in time, but right now he really didn't want to talk about it. At least not to them. When he made it into his room he closed the door with his body and leaned on it as he let out a pathetic sigh. The small chittering noise coming from his computer desk, force him to walk over to it and look down at his pet/buddy.

“So?” Rufus squeaked expectantly.

“I was right, `it’ happened,” he said as he fell down into the chair.

“Oooh, sorry,” the mole rat said softly, patting Ron's hand gently.

“It's…OK buddy, I'll…get use to it I guess. Right now I just…I need to sort things out.”

K: “You know, just once I'd like to see Ron's face if Rufus said something like, `Please elaborate, Ronald.’ The Ron-man would poop himself.”

With that, he moved the mouse to his computer around to take it out of sleep mode and access the Internet. Again he found himself thankful, this time for the fact that his parents caved in and bought a high speed connection.

S: “… for those faster high-speed porn downloads.”

At least it didn't take him as long to come around to this as it did cable, he thought.

K: “Geez, FFdN is down AGAIN?!?”

He did a quick scan of his favorites and brought up a site that had quickly become one of his most frequently used ones: his Live Journal account.

S: “Hmm, let's see… five deviations, three comments and one note…”

He had set it up shortly after he and Kim started dating so he could get out all the emotions he was feeling and not run the risk of exploding. Of course their break up caused many entries to be filled out as well, mostly depressing, self deprecating things with only a few bad words towards Kim. He found he couldn't stay mad at her very long no matter what happened. So he was sure he would come to accept and maybe even like her new relationship with Shego, it would just take more time. At the very least he had a place to put down his thoughts so it wouldn't drive him crazy. It was with that in mind that he called up the “Update Journal” screen and with a quick crack of his fingers began typing away furiously.

The Stoppable Adventures

It finally happened…

Current mood: confused

Current Song: Aerosmith's “What It Takes”

K: “Oh, look, a Poll.”

S: “What's the question?”

K: “Hm. Looks like `Best Doctor Who’.”

S: “Who's got the highest score?”

K: “Some guy named Tom Baker.”

S: “BOOYAH!!”

Definitely going to Friend Lock this post and probably will delete it later. I just gotta get this out right now before my head explodes. Yeah, I know I've said that before but this time it really feels like it.

For those of you who have been keeping up with this journal, you know about how Kim has been taking care of her former arch enemy Shego since Shego was implanted with a virus containing both their DNA and thus making Shego pregnant. Naturally, right? Well Kim has been…well pretty much Kim-like during the whole thing; taking charge, looking after Shego, making sure her baby will come out healthy all that good stuff.

K: “Oh, now THAT'S really clinical…”

Thing is through this whole ordeal I kept seeing signs that they where getting…closer to each other. First I tried to write it off as me just thinking too much. Yes, that does happen every once in awhile. But I just couldn't shake the feeling that something more was going on. I really didn't want it to cause it just seemed so sick and wrong but it was there. At least in my mind.

Then I got a bombshell dropped on my just now.

K: “Dropped on my… what?”

S: “Foot?”

K: “Head?”

S: “Keister?”

I was right. They're a couple. Kim Possible and Shego are a couple.

I really don't know how to feel right now. Well…that's not entirely true when Kim told me I acted like a complete jackass and ended up upsetting her. I'm still kicking myself for that one. The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt KP again.

That's where the confusion sets in. I realized something tonight. I'm not upset cause Kim's going out with another woman, granted that's going to be weird for while, it's the fact that she's going out with someone. More importantly, or accurately, or whatever, I realized that…I'm still in love with her.

K: “Move aside, Hetero-Boy!”

I mean I would love her no matter what as just a friend and I thought I got back to that place, but I thought wrong. She could have told me she was going out with anyone else and I'd still feel this way. I wanted to tell her so badly that I love her in the boyfriend way. Tell her that I could be the one there for her to help raise her daughter. I could do the dad thing. Especially if it meant spending the rest of my life with someone as great as KP.

S: “Ooh, sounds like Doc Drakken is back on ol’ Ronnie's speed dial.”

I wanted to tell her all this and I even had the chance while we're hugging, but I just…couldn't. She was already going through so much pain and confession then that I didn't want to add to it by telling her how I really felt. So I did the loyal friend thing and told her I'd be there for her and all that, and I will, but I know it's going to tear my up inside every time I see her and Shego together.

K: “I'm starting to suspect that Ron's FFdN name is `LargeJohn654’.”

God I wish I could tell her. But she's gotten over me and is ready to have a family. She's dead set on having Shego help raise the baby so if I did tell her I wouldn't just be ruining our lives but probably little Shin's as well. I can't do that. I'm not going to be that kind of guy. But again I don't know how I can keep going along with these feelings inside and not have it tear me up.

This whole thing reminds me of a line from some Stephen King mini series thing I saw on TV awhile back; “When every decision hurts, how do you know which is the right one”?

S: “It's the one where they don't press charges.”

I don't think I'll tell Kim.

K: “He won't tell me what? That I'm gay?”

S: “Maybe it's a secret?”

To Be Continued…

---

Chapter 10: We Are So Screwed

The Middleton Space Center is considered by many to be one of the most advanced in the nation.

K: “Riight. Two tin cans and a piece of string.”

S: “I picture a hamster somewhere, running inside a metal wheel and generating their power.”

Despite its rather ordinary look and setting, the scientists working at the Center are on the cutting edge of space exploration technology. From new forms of rocket fuel and propulsion systems to advanced A.I.s for unmanned vessels and rovers, the staff works hard to get man to the stars that much sooner.

S: “… and they grow some kick-ass, high grade weed.”

While this is generally considered to be a team effort, there are those individuals that like to take more credit than they should.

One such person is Dr. Franklin McCoy. Though a recent hire to the Center's Robotics Division, he brought with him a completely new A.I. program that would revolutionize the field. Much to the chagrin of his colleagues he not only knows how important his work is but boasts about it quite frequently. Needless to say this causes a great deal of animosity towards him from his co-workers and even though most of the work done at the Center is suppose to be top secret, a moment of alcohol fueled ranting and raving can lead to some secrets slipping out and entering the public arena known as rumors.

This was how the knowledge of Dr. McCoy's latest breakthrough, the X-23 personality chip,

K: “… now in ranch, salsa and original flavors!”

was brought to the attention three dubious characters. Upon hearing of the chip, they knew it was the perfect thing they needed to complete their plans. They waited until nightfall when security was at its weakest before striking.

S: “What do we want?”

K: “UNION!”

S: “When do we want it?”

K: “NOW!”

Not that they really needed to wait as they would have run into the lab, grab the chip and exited before anyone could see them even at the security's highest points, but they learned from past failures that desecration was called for in these instances.

S: “… a little blood and feces on the control panels…”

K: “Shego, no!”

So they stood in the darkness in the main lab of the Center's Robotics Division, the only evidence of their presence was the soft, red glow of their eyes. They scanned over the desks and computer consoles until they spotted a large steel door on the other side of the room. They walked over to it in uniform precision, the sound of metal clanging against metal echoing throughout the lab as they did so.

K: “… oil can… oil can…”

When they reached the door, the figure on the far right stepped forward and inspected the number pad set into the wall next to the door. Its eyes then began to search through all visible spectrums until it was able to pick up the faint imprint of oil and skin from a human finger, revealing which numbers needed to be pressed to open the door. A blue, metallic hand glistened in the soft light of the lab as reached up for the pad and in the blink of an eye ran through all the possible combinations. A small “ping” sound rang out when the correct code was entered, followed quickly by the sound of air decompressing as the door slowly swung open. The three intruders stepped inside and the single light in the small room not only illuminated the pedestal holding the chip in its glass casing, but also revealed the thieves’ feminine forms. They gathered around the pedestal, synthetic blonde hair lightly bouncing with their every move.

S: “So… the thieves are Brech girls?”

Though their faces were almost expressionless pieces of metal and their eyes simply lights, if someone were present they would swear they could see them looking at the chip in anticipation.

K: “Ooh! He's talking about the new Heinz 57 chip!”

“The X-23 chip,” one of them stated matter-of-factly.

“With this powering our new queen, we will finally achieve our goal,” another one added.

“Yes, at long last…” the third started.

“Bebes will be perfect,” the finished in unison as their red eyes flashed menacingly.

K: “BEEP.OH.CRAP.”

S: “BEEP.WHAT.IS.WRONG?”

K: “BEEP.IT.IS.FOR.WINDOWS.VISTA.”

---

Kim sighed contently as she leaned back into the couch and watched the TV.

K: “… idly scratching her crotch.”

It was one of the few truly peaceful moments she'd had in about eight months. Not that her life wasn't chaotic before then, but at that time she didn't have to worry about being a parent or the fact that she was in a relationship with another woman. The fact that the woman she was in relationship with and who was carrying her baby-which was weird in and of itself-was her former arch rival made the situation even more extraordinary. But surprisingly enough she found herself adapting rather quickly to this new relationship. She and Shego had been an official couple for about a month now it was going rather well. Kim still had some reservations about it given how her last relationship ended, and she still adjusting to the idea of being with another woman. Shego's natural playfully/flirtatious side didn't do much to help matters, nor did the fact that it was amplified by her overactive hormones which lead her to suggest things Kim really wasn't ready for.

It was the quite moments, like they one they're having now, that helped Kim feel comfortable about their situation. While she sat on the couch, Shego laid down next to her with her head laying in the redhead's lap. Her left hand was crossed over her breasts and holding the remote while her right dangled lazily off the couch. For her part, Kim was lightly stroking Shego's soft, silky hair with her right hand while her left was gently caressing her plump stomach. In total it had been nine months since Shego first became pregnant and according to Dr. Anderson she was due any day now. Something that Shego was immensely happy about. It would be nice to do things on her own again without everyone making such a fuss over her. While that had been nice at first, it quickly grew tiresome and she just wanted to be a little more active and independent again. Plus she was curious to see what this thing she had been carrying all this time looked like.

S: “I'm guessing… a baby?”

They both gasped as they felt the baby kick.

“Quite a kick she's got,” Kim said with a smile. “Maybe she'll end up being a soccer player.”

Shego let out a loud, prolonged groan.

“What? What is it?” Kim asked, slightly panicked.

“You using that stupid cliche,” Shego retorted. “Why is it that every time a baby kicks someone has to make that joke?”

“Because most people know it as the only sport where you use your feet a lot,” the redhead offered.

“There's also kick boxing, which knowing us, is far more likely for her than soccer.”

“True.”

K: “She might become a Rockette.”

“Besides, if she did go into soccer I wouldn't let you coach her.”

“What's that suppose to mean?” Kim asked indignantly.

Shego couldn't help but smirk at the reaction. “Oh I've heard all about how you went crazy on those poor kids when you coached. Gotta say Princess, didn't know you had it in your to be so cruel.”

“I was not that bad,” she huffed. “If the Tweebs told you this then they're exaggerating to make me look bad.”

“Actually it was Ron.”

Kim faltered at that. “Well…I…still wasn't that bad.”

“Way I hear it, the new coach yells at them and threats to cut off limbs and they still prefer him over you.”

K: “Ok, back off! It was only that ONE time that the team was stuck in the Andes…”

S: “Um… Kimmie…?”

K: “… and we have to eat the flesh of our dead to stay alive!”

S: “… awkweird…”

The only response to that was the hand leaving Shego's hair to rest on the couch. While she was a little disappointed at having the taken away, she still couldn't help but smirk at her small victory. They may not be actually fighting anymore but there were still little competitions between them and she definitely won this round.

The fun was cut short by the familiar beeping of the Kimmunicator. Kim did her best to try and not disturb Shego as she fished around inside her pocket for the device. She flipped it on as soon as she found it and quickly held it up to her face.

“What's the sitch, Wade?” she asked.

S: “Timmy's fallen in the well!”

“Trouble at the Middleton Science Center,” he replied.

Kim's face paled as a horrified look crossed her face.

“Is my dad alright?” she asked quickly.

K: “He'd better be… he owes me money…”

“He's fine,” Wade said calmly. “This hit came from a Dr. McCoy. He…well he's pretty much demanding your help.”

After she let out a sigh of relief, Kim picked up on the choice of words.

“Demanding?” she asked.

“Yeah. He's very adiment about you helping him and finding his experimental chip.”

“Any idea what it is?”

“Nope,” Wade answered with a shake of his head. “He said he'd only tell you in person.”

“Alright. Well tell him I'm on my way and I'll stop off and get Ron.”

“On it Kim.”

“Please and thank you,” she smiled before turning off the Kimmunicator. She then sighed and looked down at Shego. “Sorry, duty calls.”

Shego let out a small groan of protest before propping herself up on her shoulders so Kim could slide off the couch. Once she did, she placed a pillow where her legs had been to make Shego a little more comfortable.

“Lucky,” Shego muttered.

“Wha?” Kim asked.

“I said you're lucky.”

“What you actually want to help people now?” Kim asked with a hint of amusement.

“I want to do something! I'm tired of just sitting around here all day.”

“Now there's a surprise,” the redhead smirked before she stepped towards the couch and placed a hand on Shego's stomach. “Just concentrate on having her first, then we'll talk about you helping people.”

“Fine,” Shego huffed. “Don't I at least get a kiss before you go?”

Kim shook her head a bit then held her head back with her left hand as she leaned forward and gave the pale woman a quick peck on the lips. She stood straight again and went back to walking towards her room to get ready for this latest mission. She just hope it'd be a quick and easy one as she didn't want to run the risk of being half a world away while her daughter was being born.

---

Ron sighed as he stared at his Grande Sized Nacho combo meal. Usually just the sight of his own creation was enough to cheer him up, but at the moment the only one who was really enjoying it was Rufus. At least he could take some comfort in knowing it wasn't going to waste. He wasn't really sure why he ordered it as he wasn't very hungry. It was more out of habit than anything else. Usually when he came here, he would order the combo meal then sit down and talk with…he sighed again and lowered his head.

“What's wrong Ron Man?”

Ron lifted his head up to look at the person sitting across from him in the booth. The spot that was usually occupied by Kim was now taken by Felix Renton, the boy with the amazing cybertronic wheelchair which sat next to the table after he had position himself in the booth. While Ron was always happy to spend time with this other best friend, it just felt off not having Kim around as much.

“It's nothing,” he tried to lie. “It's just…”

“Still trying to wrap you brain around the whole Kim/Shego thing?” Felix ventured.

The blonde boy gave him a surprised look. “How did you-oh right you're on my Friend's List. But yeah that's it. I mean…I know I promised Kim I'd still be there for her but it's just weird not having her around all the time. Plus I still think those two together spells wrongsick.”

“Is it the fact she's going out with another woman that's got you freaked or the fact that it's Shego?”

“Definitely the Shego thing. I mean, yeah I would have freaked if she had just been going out with another woman, but with the woman that's tried to kill her! What kind of sense does that make! None, that's what.”

“Well she is-”

Ron stopped his friend by holding up his hand.

“Please do not bring up the baby thing again,”

S: “'Bringing Up Baby'! I love that film!”

he requested. “That's what everyone says and it's getting old.”

“But it's true,” Felix countered.

“Still it's old.”

“Yeah, old!” Rufus squeaked.

S: “Heh! Heh! Hey, Butthead! It's old! Heh!”

K: “Yeah. Old. Huh. Huh. It's gonna die soon.”

“Either way it's a big change for her and you just gotta wait til she settles into it. After that I'm sure everything will go back to normal.”

“Things will never be normal again,” Ron muttered as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Aren't you the one that's always saying `never be normal’?” Felix remarked with a grin.

The other boy flailed for an answered for a second before he narrowed his eyes at his friend.

“Curse your logic,” he growled.

S: “Damn your eyes!”

K: “Too late!”

Felix chuckled a bit as he picked up a nacho from his own meal. He waited until it was significantly chewed before speaking again.

K: “Eww… Felix masticates in public…”

“Now are you sure the real reason you're freaking out isn't because she's moved on and you haven't?” he asked.

Again Ron was silent for a moment before laying his elbows on the table and cradling his head with his hands.

K: “You know, those two are both SO secretly crushing on each other.”

S: “What? Really?”

“Honestly, that probably is it,” he admitted. “I'm just having a hard time accepting that she found someone else. Especially with how caught I still am with her. I thought maybe she'd be going through the same thing, but nope she just goes out and finds someone else.”

“Somehow I doubt it was as easy as that,” Felix said.

“Still it doesn't change the fact that she had someone else and I don't.”

“Then why not go out there and try to find someone for you?”

“Oh yeah, like it's that easy!”

“Never know until you try. Why don't you go talk to Tara? She seemed to like you.”

“Yeah liked,” Ron stressed the word. “As in use to and doesn't anymore. Besides, she going out with Josh Monkey.”

“Monkey, phooey!” Rufus agreed.

“Actually I heard they broke up.”

Ron stared at Felix again.

“Don't play me here Felix,” he warned.

K & S: “JUST KISS HIM FOR GOD'S SAKE!”

“I'm dead serious,” he replied, holding his hand in a “Scouts Honor” gesture. “Keep in mind those this comes from the usual high school gossip bin so I have no idea how reliable it is.”

“Fair enough,” Ron nodded. “Still it's something. Better than what I had before.”

“There you go. And if that doesn't work out you can look up that Jen Credible girl again. I think I remember reading you said she was cute.”

S: “Jen would certainly make a good beard for Ron.”

K: “Ok, nothing from DNAmy up through Miss America could be a good enough beard for Ron!”

“That is true, she was,” Ron mused as he rubbed his chin. “But I'm not sure how long I could handle all the supernatural demon stuff. It was really weird. Like worse than the Mystical Monkey Power stuff. And there were some times when she seemed a little too…intense.”

“How intense?” Felix asked.

“Kim soccer coach intense.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

The two lapsed into silence at that and went back to their meals. The talk seemed to help Ron regain his appetite, but unfortunately he still wasn't able to enjoy his Naco as Kim walked through the door right as he took his first bite. Her purposeful stride up to the table told him that a mission had come up. Well that and the fact she was decked out in her mission gear.

“Hey KP,” he greeted, trying to sound cheerful. “Got a mission?”

“Yep,”

K: “In my pants!”

Kim replied, as she placed a hand on the table and noticed the other person there. “Oh hey Felix.”

“Yo,” he replied with a small wave.

“So where are going?” Ron asked.

“Not far, something was stolen from the Middle Science Center and we need to talk to a scientist there before we can get it back.”

He nodded as he took two large bites out of his Naco, trying to enjoy as much of it as he could. As he chocked back the food, Kim noticed a strange look in his eyes that wasn't his usual “shoving down a large amount of food” look.

“Ron, are you okay?” she asked.

No! I'm totally, completely miserable without you and I want you to dump Shego and take me back, he thought. After finishing his bites, he said aloud, “I'm fine KP.”

K & S: “Liar! Liar!”

“You sure?” Kim asked again, not sounding convince.

No! “Yep, 100 OK.”

K & S: “Liar! Liar!”

Kim stood straight with her arms crossed and glared down at him. She had a feeling he wasn't being entirely truthful, but unfortunately didn't have the time to talk it out right now.

“Then if we're ready we can get going. I already stopped by your house and picked up some mission clothes for you. You can change on the way there,” she said.

“Alright,” he replied and turned to Felix. “Well hate to do this buddy, but you know, duty calls.”

“Eh, I'll be fine,” Felix said with a dismissive wave. “Go on and save the world again.”

The pair smiled at him and said their goodbyes before turning and walking out of the fast food restaurant, Rufus jumping into Ron's pocket as they did so. As he watched them leave, Felix wondered when or even if Ron would come clean about his lingering feelings for Kim. At the very least he wondered if it would have some effect on the mission.

I'm sure they'll do fine, just like always, he tried to convince himself, but couldn't help but shake his bad feeling.

---

The drive to the Middleton Science Center was uncomfortably quiet. The most noise either came from the radio or Ron's struggle to change into his mission clothes in the back seat. Beyond that there was little to no talking between the two. Kim had a feeling it was because Ron was still adjusting to the idea of her and Shego and just didn't want to talk about it. There was something else though, a hint of something she had spotted in his eye at Bueno Nacho. It was something she had seen a few times on their missions since her new relationship began and she had a sinking feeling she knew what it was. Unfortunately, since more of their recent time together was either in school or on missions, she really hadn't been able to sit down with him and talk it through. She thought now might be a good time, but once she realized they were so close to the Science Center, she knew she had to get into “mission mode”. Before she did, however, she resolved herself to find time to have a long talk with Ron to get everything sorted out.

As they approached the entrance to the Center, they were met with a very familiar face.

“Kimmie Cub!” Dr. Possible greeted happily as he walked forward and gave her a fatherly hug.

“Hey dad, I'm glad you're OK,” Kim replied as she returned the hug.

K: “Like, can I have that $10 you owe me?”

He gave her a perplexed look as he pulled back.

“Why wouldn't I be?” he asked.

“Well I just-” Kim stopped and shook her head. “Never mind. Can you take me to this Dr. McCoy? From what Wade told me he's very…adamant about seeing me.”

“Oh yes, he is very…well I suppose `adiment’ is the most polite way to put it. Come on, I'll show you to his lab.”

With that, he turned and walked back into the Center with the two teen heros following close behind. Having been there a few times before on mission, visits to her father, and more Rocket Boosters Club trips than she cared to admit, Kim knew her way around the main part of the Center fairly well. What she wasn't that familiar with was the Robotics Division having only been there once before to help out who she thought was a robotics expert but really turned out to be a fraud. It all worked out in the end though when she helped reveal the real genius, Dr. Vivian Porter, and helped her get a job at the Center. And now here she was again, about to meet another genius with another robotics problem. At least that's what she assumed it was since the details were rather sketchy at the moment, no doubt due to the top secret nature of this division. Dr. Possible stopped just before the rounded, metal double doors and turned back to his daughter.

“Well Kimmie Cub this is about as far as I can take you,” he said. “My clearance will get me in here but Dr. McCoy's very particular about who he lets in. Besides I still have my own work to do. Gotta get back to those launch vectors and make sure a new shuttle isn't going to crash.”

“It's OK. I guess I'll see you tonight at dinner then,” Kim said.

S: “Sorry, Kimmie-cub, I can't tonight. I'm playing `Liza’ in a one-woman review.”

“You betcha,” Dr. Possible replied before he entered his code into the keypad to open the doors.

They slid open with a slight “whoosh” and after a final wave to her father, Kim and Ron walked into the lab. The scene they saw inside was one that would fit right at home in any scifi movie. The walls and floor were all steel gray color with everything looking clean and pristine. A handful of desks sat along the walls with dozens of flat screen computer monitors and laps set up on them while gears, circuits, and half finish robots sat on things that looked like metal beds. Some where human shaped by most of them were insect like. Ron let out an impressed whistle as he took it all in.

“Wow, I bet Wade would have a field day in here,” he joked.

“Actually, knowing Wade this would probably be pretty mundane to him,” Kim countered.

“Who's there?” a voice called out from behind one of the larger parts of machinery.

“Kim Possible. I got a hit from a Dr. McCoy saying he needed my help,” she called out.

“Well it's about time!” the man shouted as he stepped into the light.

Kim recoiled a bit from the unexpected outburst. Out of all the ways people have greeted her over the years, that was definitely the rudest. Once she recovered she took a moment to look the man over. Like almost everyone in the Center he was wearing a white lab coat with a few pens and a small notebook shoved into the breast pocket. Underneath the coat he simple dark red business shirt with black slacks, all fitting rather loosely to try and hide the fact that wasn't in the best of shape. While hardly over weight, from what Kim could tell he could stand to get out of the lab more often. He set the piece of equipment he was working on down and walked over to them, the soft lights of the lab reflecting off his short, black hair and revealing that is was already beginning to recede even though he was only in his mid 30s. He stopped just in front of her and seemed to be giving her and Ron the same evaluative look that she was giving him. His hazel colored eyes looked at her skeptically as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“So you're Kim Possible, huh? From the way your father talks about you I was really expecting more,” he mused.

K: “Hey! I'm almost a `B'… almost…”

S: “Yeah, maybe if you pushed them both together.”

K: “Hey!”

“Moving right along,” Kim said, ignoring the thinly disguised insult, “you told Wade that some kind chip had been stolen?”

“Yes the X-23 chip. It's my life's work so you understand I'm a little anxious to get it back.”

“So what's it do?” Ron asked.

K: “It can hold 37% more dip!”

“It thinks,” Dr. McCoy simply stated.

“It thinks?” Kim and Ron asked in unison as they looked towards each other.

“Yes it thinks. Or rather the programing inside it allows it to think.”

“Isn't that was A.I. is suppose to do?” Kim asked.

“Not like this,” the doctor remarked, holding up a correcting finger. “You see, most A.I. is programmed to react to its environment and learn from those experiences. Now while the X-23 does operate on that same basic principle it's also designed to…predict certain actions. Make guesses as to what might happen. Basically it'll give any machine or robot it's plugged into the same capabilities as this,” he pointed to his head.

“You're head?” Ron asked.

Dr. McCoy gave him a “You've got to be kidding” look. “No the brain. Basically what I'm doing with this chip is creating life.”

“Well no offense Dr. but women have been doing that for millions of years,” Kim pointed out.

He shook his head incredulously. “Nobody understands my work.”

S: “Ah, but the uterus is easy to understand. Show the man, Kimmie!”

K: “Oh, alright…”

“It's not that we don't understand it Frank, it's that you present it the wrong way,” a new voice spoke up.

Kim and Ron turned towards the sound of the rather familiar voice and saw exactly who they expected to see walking into the room; Dr. Vivian Porter. Like Dr. McCoy she had a white lab coat on but it was over a light blue low cut T-shirt and a more professional looking skirt than the last one Kim had seen on her. The red head smiled as she walked up to the blonde woman.

“Dr. Porter. It's good to see you again,” she greeted with a hand outstretched.

“Please just call me Vivian,” the scientist replied as she took the offered hand and shook it.

K: “Wow! And you can call me anytime!”

S: “Kimmie, keeps your hands OFF that bimbo… you don't know where she's been!”

“So what have you been up to Vivian?” Ron asked, as he stepped forward and offered his own hand.

“Oh about the same,” she replied, shaking his hand. “Working on upgrade for Oliver, trying to get my colleagues to take me seriously and mostly trying to keep Frank here in line.”

“I do not need to kept in line,” Dr. McCoy protested.

S: “SILENCE!”

K: “… yes, mistress…”

“You ran off most our interns just this past month!” Vivian protested.

S: “… unlike a Congressman who would have run away WITH the interns.”

“They were getting in the way! How they even managed to get this far is amazing. They could barely understand the basic algorithms of the code and don't even get me started on their lack of knowledge on motor control functions.”

“See what I mean?” the blonde muttered to Kim.

“Uh…sure,” Kim replied, feeling completely lost in the conversation.

“Let's just say I miss Dr. Freeman.”

“Oh yes, Dr. Freeman, the man who decided to give a toaster a personality,” Dr. McCoy sniped.

“Hey, he also invented a talking, self driving car!” Ron pointed out.

“Good for him, he invented a sister to the car from `Night Rider’. I, however, design something that could be first major break through in the 21st Century and I get ignored cause I don't have `people skills’. Which is kind of ironic if you think about it considering the fact that we're working with robots.”

“Maybe we should just get back to the matter at hand,” Kim suggested.

“Of course. Follow me and I'll show you the vault,” the doctor said before he turned and headed for another part of the lab.

Kim and Ron shrugged at the name “the vault” but followed him after saying a quick goodbye to Vivian. When they reached the far end of the lab they did in fact find something that very much resembled a bank vault right down to the heavy steel door which was currently swung open.

K: “… to reveal videos of older Disney movies.”

Dr. McCoy stood next to a small pedestal as he waited for them to enter.

“Well here it is, or rather were it was,” he said, gesturing towards the pedestal.

Kim placed her hands on her knees as she leaned forward to examine the structure.

“I take it the chip was sitting in something, right?” she asked, glancing up at the scientist.

S: “Yes, usually a nice cheddar or a bacon dip.”

“Yes, we kept it in a hyperbolically sealed glass container to keep it clean. It was suppose to keep it safe, but obviously that didn't really work out.”

“Don't you have all sorts of alarms and stuff on it to keep that from happening?” Ron asked.

“Does he always ask the stupid questions?” Dr. McCoy muttered towards Kim. Before she could answer though, he spoke up again. “Yes, there are security measures in place but they were all shut off. Which is what makes this situation really strange because they weren't shut off by any of our people and the subroutines are designed to set off another alarm system if one of them is tampered with. So to be able to shut them all off without tripping one would require an impressive amount of speed.”

“Speed?” Kim asked with a sudden sinking feeling in her stomach.

“Yes, speed.”

“Doctor, is there a security camera in here?”

“Of course. In fact there's even a monitor built in here somewhere.”

He turned to the row of drawers behind him and skimmed over their numbered labels until he found the right one.

“Ah, here it is,” he mused as he pulled it open.

Immediately a small monitor and control panel popped up and Kim and Ron walked over to it as Dr. McCoy began to call the security feed.

“I did check it earlier and found something rather…interesting. It's only there for a second, but still…” he said as he stopped the tape at the right after the door had been opened and three figures stepped inside. “There! This is the reason I called you in.”

Kim's eyes narrowed as her suspicions were confirmed. Although the playback as in black and white and slightly grainy, she would recognize those three anywhere.

“The Bebes!” she exclaimed.

“The Bebes? Aw, man I thought you destroyed them!” Ron complained.

“Me too. But I guess some of them got away.”

“Those things are harder to kill than cockroaches.”

“Yeah! Roaches!” Rufus added as he poked his head out of Ron's pocket.

“So then you know them,” Dr. McCoy stated.

“Unfortunately,” Kim remarked. “They were created by my archenemy Dr. Drakken to be some kind of perfect weapon or something.”

“I thought they were designed to be his girlfriend?” Ron asked.

“I think that was just in college.”

K: “… when the inflatable one was in the shop for repairs.”

Dr. McCoy cast a weird look between the two teen heros before clearing his throat to draw their attention.

“So what do you think they want with my chip?” he asked.

“Well, last time we fought them they were looking for a new queen to rule their hive mind.

S: “Like Elton John?”

You know, like bees. Maybe they decided if they can't find a queen then they could just build one.”

“And try to use the X-23 chip to give her a personality,” the scientist surmised. He the got a very horrified look on his face. “Uh-oh.”

“`Uh-oh’? What's `uh-oh’? Man I don't want to be hearing any `uh-oh's! Those are never good!” Ron shouted spastically.

“Well, keep in mind this is just a theory, but if they wanted to use the chip to give their queen a personality they would have to set their moral code to coincide with theirs.”

“What do you mean?” Kim asked.

“Like I explained earlier the chip can give any computer or robot a very close facsimile of life. But at it's very basic core it's still a computer chip and still needs to be programed. I haven't gotten that far yet so it's still a blank. Obviously I would have set the program to obey the laws of society; no killing, no stealing, how to act in a public setting, things like that. But if they figure out how to program the chip to be…more of less evil if you want to simplify things then it could be very…bad.”

“How bad?”

K: “Do you mean, like, `Farscape cancelled’ bad, or `Nuclear winter’ bad?”

He seemed to think about it for a second. “Oh God, Oh God, we're all going to die?” he offered.

Kim stared at him for a second before spinning around on her heel and whipping out the Kimmunicator as she exited the vault.

“Wade we got a sitch here,” she spoke up after switching it on.

“What's up?” Wade asked, catching the urgency in her voice.

“The Bebes are back. Do you still have a pair of those super fast shoes?”

“Actually I have one better. Stop by and I'll show it to you.”

S: “It's a super fast thong!”

“`Stop by’? As in go to your house!” Ron asked excitedly.

“Amp down Ron,” Kim said. “Wade, we'll be there as quickly as we can.”

“I'll be waiting.”

Kim nodded then turned off the Kimmunicator before returning it to her pocket.

K: “Instead of giving Wade a paycheck for his work, sometimes I just leave the camera on.”

S: “Oooo…”

She turned back to Dr. McCoy again and gave him her best “Everything's going to be fine” look.

“Don't worry Dr. McCoy, we'll get your chip back before the Bebes have any chance to use it,” she tried to convince.

“Then you should be going. Now. Very quickly,” he said, gesturing them to leave.

S: “Shoo. Shoo!”

Kim finally let her annoyance get to her and she cast him an angry glare before she and Ron started to walk out of the lab. She barely noticed Vivian passing them as the red head stormed out, leaving the attractive scientist to shake her head in amusement as she walked up to Dr. McCoy.

“So what'd you do now?” she asked playfully.

“Nothing!” he replied, a bit too quickly and loudly. “Everything's going to be fine. They'll get the chip back and we'll get right back to work as if nothing ever happened.” He turned away from her to add under his breath, “I hope.”

---

Miles away from the Science Center on the other side of town, stood the warehouse district of Middleton. Most of the buildings there were from the town's industrial period from the corner of the century and had long since been abandoned in favor of sturdier, more heathy places to work. The only reason they had not been torn down already was because the Historical Society was in a heated battle with the city council to get the area label as a historic landmark.

S: “General Washington slept here, you know?”

K: “Oh… it's a cathouse.”

Unfortunately, this of “preserving history” was endangering the future of Middleton's citizens as well as the rest of the world.

K: “… much like Wikipedia.”

Since the buildings looked old and dilapidated on the outside, no one ever thought to check on the insides. Which is exactly what the occupants of one of the buildings counted on as they set it up to be their new base, or as they called it “The Hive”.

S: “… or as we call it, their Mom's basement.”

Inside the run down exterior were brand new metal walls and floors, each decided to resemble those of a bee hive. In the middle of the wharehouse's

K: “Wharehouse?”

S: “There house… there castle.”

main section stood a large assembly line that seemed to be putting itself together. In reality, it was being constructed by three robots that moved faster than the human eye could see, so to any on looker it would appear to be building itself.

Slightly removed from the construction, in a separate part of the building a figure sat perfectly still in the dark. Like those that had created it, the figure was humanoid and feminine but exuded a confidence and power that they seemed to lack.

K: “Oprah, again?! What's her problem?”

It was what they desired, a perfect queen to lead them. Although she was chronologically only a few hours old, she already knew more than most humans learn in their lifetime. This great knowledge came to her thanks to a combination of advanced circuitry that made up her brain as well as the wires plugged into the back of her neck from her throne that provided her with Internet access. As she mentally scrolled through thousands of pages per second, she couldn't help but marvel at how amazingly easy the humans made it for her to learn of their history. It was information she planned to put to great use.

S: “Yes, and she makes submissions to the Archive all the time.”

Her browsing was interrupted by the rhythmic sound of three set of metal feet clanging against the metal floor. She stopped her browsing and retracted the wires before she leaned back into the throne and regarded the three Bebes who had given her life and now obeyed her every command.

“Speak,” she ordered as her red eyes flashed.

K: “…beedee… beedee… beedee… what's up, Buck…”

“The Bebe assembly line is complete my queen,” the middle Bebe informed. “Production of The Hive is already well underway.”

“Excellent,” the queen replied. “Now that you have completed that task I have another mission for you.”

S: “BEEP.YES.YOUR.FLATULANCE.”

“We are at your command,” the three spoke as one.

“I know, and I am grateful for that. Now, during my searching of the humans’ Internet, and its subsidiary the In-Terror-Net, I have learned that our biggest threat is a girl named Kim Possible.”

K: “BEEP.THE.FANFICS.SPEAK.OF.HER.GREAT.DEEDS.”

“Yes, we have battled her twice before,” the Bebe on the left spoke up.

“And she has beaten us twice before,” the Bebe on the right added.

“I know,” The Queen said, a hint of anger and disappointment in her voice. “But that shall soon change. There are certain factors that work in our favor this time.

S: “BEEP.BIG.MOTHER.LOVING.GUNS.”

You not only have me to command you but there is also the fact that her once former enemy Shego is now living with her and caring her child. From what I have gathered humans will go to great lengths to protect their young. We shall use this response to lure Kim Possible into a trap and Shego shall be our bait. I also wish to study this child as I understand such a coupling is very…unique. I believe it may hold secrets that we can use to improve ourselves further.”

“But Bebes are now perfect. We have you to lead and guide us. We do not need anything else,” the Bebe in the middle spoke again.

“There are always ways to improve oneself. You may have me to guide you but we are all still far from perfect. But rest assured we will reach our goal soon enough,” The Queen mused. “Now go, bring me Shego. And while you're out, bring me the creator as well. I want him to see what his hard work has accomplished.”

“By your command,” the Bebes said in unison before vanishing in the blink of an eye.

K & S: “WE OBEY!”

A small smile played across The Queen's face as her workers went out to accomplish their tasks. She could hear the soft hum of the assembly line and feel it as every new Bebe unit came online. Soon, very soon now they would be ready to show the world their new found power.

---

The drive over to Wade's house was a little more exciting than the one to the Science Center if for no other reason than Ron's eagerness to see Wade in person once again. While the boy genius did get out of his room a little more since the whole incident with Team Impossible, he still preferred to stay inside and talk to them via the Kimmunicator or the postal service if he had to actually send them something. So Kim could see how Ron would get so excited at actually having to go to Wade's house for a gadget and truth be told she was a little excited herself. It did seem like sort of a special occasion, she just wished it was under better circumstances.

When they arrived at the address Wade had given them, they were surprised at how…normal it looked. It was fairly modest one story home that would fit in perfectly with anyone's idea of a suburban home. It certainly didn't seem like the kind of place a super genius would live in, not even a ten-year-old super genius.

“You sure this is the right place?” Ron asked as the car slowly pulled into the driveway.

“Yeah, this is the address he gave me,” Kim said, looking just as skeptical as him. “I guess we'll find out soon enough.”

After she parked the car, the two got out and approached the house cautiously, as if expecting someone to jump at them with a shot gun and yelling at them to “Get off their land”.

K: “… ya’ damn Revenuers!”

Thankfully when the door opened the smiling face of Wade's mother greeted them.

“Hi Kim, hi Ron,” she happily greeted them.

“Hi Mrs. Load,” the two teen greeted back.

“You can come on in, but you might have to wait a bit. Wade's already talking to someone else in his room right now,” she explained as she stepped aside and motioned for them to come in.

“Someone else?” they asked in unison as they stared at each other in disbelief.

Once they got over the surprise, they stepped inside and followed Mrs. Load down a hallway lined with family pictures as well as various prizes and accolades Wade had won over his young life.

S: “Holy crap, Wade won a `Fannie'!”

K: “… not going to say a DAMN word…”

Even Kim was impressed by it all and it was easy to forget that the person they're going to see was a ten year old boy. Still it helped to emphasize to her that Wade wasn't just one of her close friends but also one of the best tools she had in her fight against the bad guys.

K: “And speaking of `best tools'…”

S: “Kim, he's a BOY! As in underage!”

She just hoped her new relationship wouldn't put a strain on their friendship. He seemed okay with it for the moment, but given that he seemed to be able to look up anything about anyone anywhere, she wondered if maybe he wasn't still following Shego's activities just to be sure.

Her thoughts were caught off when Wade's mother suddenly stopped in front of them, and Kim had to use every bit of her finely honed agility to keep from bumping into the woman. Thankfully she recovered without either Mrs. Load or Ron seeming to notice and felt grateful that she had been spared that bit of embarrassment.

“Well here you are,” Mrs. Load said, gesturing to a door at the end of the hallway. “That's Wade's room, but like I said you might have to wait a bit-”

Her words were cut off when the door opened and an African-American woman dressed in a dark grey business suit stepped out. Before fully stepping into the hallway she turned back around to address Wade one more time, her long brown hair flowing behind her as she did so.

“I really wish you'd reconsider Mr. Load. Eureka could really use someone of your talents,” she said.

“Please just call me Wade Agent Blake,” the boy replied. “And I'm sorry, it definitely sounds like a nice place but I like it here for now.”

“Fair enough. But if you do change your mind give us a call.”

“Will do.”

She smiled as she shook his hand one last time before turning and walking down the hallway,

K: “BAM!”

S: “… right into a frigging wall.”

giving a quick goodbye and thanks to Mrs. Load and a respected nod in Kim and Ron's direction. It was only when she passed by did Kim notice the Department of Defense page clipped to the left breast of the woman's jacket. She did a double take then walked up to Wade in a bit of a daze.

“What was…?” she asked, trying to think of how to ask the question.

“Sorry Kim, can't talk about it,” Wade replied, holding his hands up and shaking his head. “Classified stuff.”

K: “Was that more `SciFi Channel’ stuff? Because the `SciFi Channel’ can kiss my royal…”

S: “Princess, you really, REALLY need to get over your `Farscape’ obsession.”

K: “… just `cause you weren't a fan…”

“Al-right,” Kim accepted, albeit reluctantly. “So what did you want to show me?”

“Come on in and I'll show you.”

“Whoa, wait. Not only do we get to go to Wade's house but always in his room?” Ron asked in astonishment. “His private sanctuary? His secret lab where makes all his secret inventions?”

“Gee Ron, when you put it that way you make me out to be some kind of mad scientist or something,” Wade remarked with a slight blush.

“Well I wouldn't say `mad’ more like…well adjusted scientist.”

“How about just a friend who likes to help out?” Kim suggested.

“Yeah that works,” Ron admitted.

“Now that we've gotten that